Barca’s youngsters seal the deal vs Valencia Copa Del Rey Semifinal second leg

Luis Enrique decided to make the most of his sides 7-0 first leg advantage last night by resting the majority of his usual starting eleven. He included 5 B team players in his 18 man squad along with under 19 player Carles Aleñà. Bravo, Piqué, Sergio, Alves, Arda, Iniesta, Suárez, Messi, Neymar, Mascherano and Alba were all excluded from the squad.

Sergi Roberto was a standout player last night.

Barcelona’s second strength team didn’t sit back and invite pressure from Valencia they took the game to them. Sergi Roberto, Munir and Rakitic all had opportunities to score but failed to do so. Luis Enrique decided to experiment his formation using a 3-5-2 formation which saw Vermaelen,Bartra and Mathieu protect Ter Stegen in goal. This gamble backfired when a long ball found Negredo unmarked in acres of space. The former Man City striker raced into the box followed by Bartra. Ter Stegen blocked the Spaniards first effort but could not keep hold of the ball which bounced fortunately back into the path of Negredo who coolly put Valencia ahead on the  night despite Bartra’s sliding attempt to prevent the goal.

Munir missed some great opportunities to level the sides.

Barcelona squandered many opportunities to level the score the closest chance coming from an Ivan Rakitic free kick. A mix up in communication saw both Bartra and Munir go for the cross resulting in a miss from just 6 yards. Enrique’s frustration could be seen with his sides performance as he threw a water bottle in anger. His side continued to search for an equalizer in the second half and Rakitic went agonizingly close when his run along the left wing and subsequent cut inside allowed him to have a shot on goal but it was saved well.

Hero on the night Wilfrid Kaptoum celebrates his first goal with the senior team in only his third appearance.

A draw would be enough to see Enrique beat Pep Guardiola’s record of 28 games unbeaten and in the 81st minute he decided to introduce B team regular Wilfrid Kaptoum.  Just three minutes later Camara another B team player delivered a perfect cross to Kaptoum who calmly slotted home the equalizer with is first touch of the game. Enrique’s men held on to deny Gary Neville a home victory in front of just 16,000 at the Mestalla. The 7 goal margin of victory over the two legs is the heaviest defeat in Valencia’s history.

Rakitic was deployed as a false 9 during the match.

With a place in the Copa del Rey final on May 21st now secured Luis Enrique looks ahead to a difficult home fixture on Sunday night against his former team Celta Vigo. Barcelona will hope to avoid a repeat of the scoreline from their last meeting which saw Vigo triumph 4-1.

Copa Del Rey Preview: FC Barcelona vs Valencia second leg

FC Barcelona travel to Valenica tomorrow night with a staggering 7-0 first leg lead. The odds are stacked against Gary Neville’s Valencia side who have to score 8 unanswered goals in order to progress to the final. This result is made even more difficult due to Valencia’s poor form in La Liga losing away to Real Betis at the weekend adding further to the pressure mounting on Gary Neville.

Lionel Messi scored a hat trick last time out.

FC Barcelona are expected to rotate the squad tomorrow night ahead of Sunday’s difficult fixture at home to Celta Vigo. Luis Enrique has decided to give some B team players a chance with Samper,Gumbau,Kaptoum,Camara and Romera all training with the first team today and yesterday. Enrique will almost certainly be with out Lionel Messi for tomorrow fixture. The Argentinian missed training in Monday and Tuesday as he underwent tests to follow up his renal colic experienced at the Club World Cup last December. Today he underwent a procedure to deal with some kidney stones that were discovered yesterday. The club announced he will return to training on Wedneday and should be fit for Sunday’s game.

The duo of Messi and Suárez scored the combined 7 goals last week

Luis Enrique equaled  Pep Guardiolas record of 28 games unbeaten when his side overcame Levante on Sunday. Should Barcelona win/draw tomorrow he will set a new club record. 

Possible FC Barcelona lineup:

Ter Stegen, Vidal,Bartra,Vermaelen,Adriano,Samper,Roberto,Kaptoum,Munir,Suárez,Turan.

Can Gary Neville produce one of the biggest comebacks in football history?

The game kicks off at 8pm GMT and is available on LaLigaCopaTV.

FC Barcelona stumble to victory over Levante

Luis Enrique predicted a difficult game away to Levante and he wasn’t wrong. Managing his 100th game for Barcelona, Enrique witnessed an unusually poor display from his side who looked fatigued in the midday sun. He fielded most of his strongest eleven apart for the inclusion of birthday boy Sergi Roberto who replaced Busquets.

Roberto in an aerial battle.

Barcelona started the stronger with an almost immediate goal chance for Iniesta who’s long range effort found the stand. With just two minutes played Lionel Messi had the ball in the back of the net after a brilliant team move but was ruled to be offside a incorrect decision (have a look for yourself here). Levante started to find their feet as the match progressed and with 15 minutes gone they had the visitors under pressure. Barcelona took the lead in the most fortunate of ways. Iniesta’s layoff on the left side of the Levante box saw Jordi Alba square the ball for Luis Suárez only for this effort to deflect off the hip of Levante skipper Navarror and past Marnio in goal.

Barcelona celebrate the fortunate opener.

Levante did not let their heads drop. They had a handful of dangerous attacks and with 37 minutes played a long ball forward found Morales in space on the right hand side. He beat Dani Alves in the foot race and his curling shot could only be denied by the right post. Warning signs for the visitors that 20th Levante would not let them cruise to the three points. Former Barcelona backroom member Rubi sent out his Levante side in the second half with a new found belief. Levante constantly tormented the Barcelona defence who had to dig in an protect Bravo in goal. Despite their best efforts Levante’s final shot never troubled Bravo. Ivan Rakitic nearly gave Barcelona a second when his powerful header was saved well by Marnio.

Neymar takes on the Levante defence.

Levante continued to search for a equalizer and in the 91st minute a poor pass gifted Barcelona with possession. With numbers commited to their last gasp attack Levante faced a formidable task. Lionel Messi ran with the ball before looking up and playing a sublime pass to an unmarked Luis Suárez who didn’t need Neymar who was available out side him to enter the box before firing the ball past Marino.  That ended the home sides incredible effort that just fell short of producing a shock.

Luis Suárez celebrates yet another goal. 36 in 34 games this season.

There are plenty of talking points from today’s match. Barcelona fans will be concerned with their teams poor performance but in the end thy leave Valencia with all three points. Levante remain bottom of La Liga on 17 points 5 from safety. Luis Enrique has now equaled the record of Pep Guardiola’s side who went 28 games unbeaten during the 2010/11 season. He now has the opportunity to extend this record against Valencia midweek. He also marked his 100th game with a victory. Of those he won 80,drew 11 and lost 9.

Enrique marks his 100th game in charge with a victory.

FC Barcelona now prepare for their Copa Del Rey semi final second leg before facing Celta Vigo at home next Sunday. Levante travel to Eibar next week. This victory sees Barcelona maintain a three point lead ahead of Atletico Madrid in La Liga.

FC Barcelona vs Levante Match Preview

FC Barcelona travel to bottom of the league Levante this weekend looking to continue their wonderful form following their midweek thrashing of Valencia 7-0 in the Copa Del Rey. Levante face an uphill battle having lost their previous meeting this season 5-0 in the Camp Nou.

Messi scored a hat trick midweek. 

Luis Enrique will manage his 100th game tomorrow morning but is not assuming he will mark this event with a victory. He said he expects Levante to “come out to put us under pressure” as they are a side who “need the points and have strengthened the squad well”. He did however mention his pride in his previous 99 games stating ” I am proud of the good and the bad. It forms part of this stage as the coach with the team and all the staff together, we have enjoyed it a lot and suffered.”

Luis Enrique is set to manage his 100th game with Barca.

Enrique is expected to make plenty of squad rotations for tomorrows game considering the amount of fixtures his squad played in January and the 6 other games this month including a Champions League last 16 tie against Arsenal.

Possible FC Barcelona lineup:

Key players such as Mascherano, Ineista, Busquets, Alves and at least one of the attacking trio are expected to watch from the bench tomorrow. Messi is known for wanting to play every match while Luis Suárez is on a goal scoring run. All of this could see Neymar receive a rest although it cannot be ruled out that all three play. Pique could also be rested in place of Mascherano who was absent from the midweek game.

The 18 man squad Luis Enrique is bringing to Levante tomorrow are : Ter Stegen, Bravo, Alves,Vidal,Pique,Mathieu,Mascherano,Bartra,Alba,Busquets,Iniesta,Rakitic,Turan,Sergi Roberto,Munir,Neymar,Suárez and Messi. Enrique has left out Masip,Douglas,Vermaelen, Adriano and the injured Rafinha.

The match kicks off at 11am GMT and is available on Sky Sports.

FC Barcelona come from behind to defeat Atletico Madrid- Match Report

It was billed as one of the biggest games of the season and it certainly lived up to the prematch hype. Three goals along with plenty of drama including two red cards saw the hosts come from a goal down to seal a crucial victory. The calm before the game was soon replaced with a fight of epic proportions and the Colosseum of the Camp Nou provided the venue for this enthralling game.

Atletico started the better of the two sides and dominated the first 25 minutes. Simeone’s men employed a high pressure system which put Barcelona’s center backs Gerard Pique and Javier Mascherano under immense pressure. An early shot from Saul Niguez tested Claudio Barvo who was alert to the danger.It was Saul’s cross that from the right hand-side that found an unmarked Koke in acres of space who coolly finished the move giving the visitors an early lead with just 10 minutes played. Atletico nearly made it two when Augusto’s long range effort went just wide of the post.

Atletico celebrate taking the lead.

Barcelona took twenty minutes or so to get up and running and had a number of chances to equalize but the final pass eluded the Catalans. The front trio of Messi, Suárez and Neymar were quite but Suárez drew a foul from Atletico captain Diego Godin with 24 minutes played. As Barcelona upped the ante Atletico showed signs of pressure and Jan Oblak produced a fine save to deny Suárez. However a rushed clearance gifted Barcelona with possession. Mascherano found Neymar in space on the left hand side of the box he used the overlapping run of Jordi Alba to good effect as the Spaniard picked out Messi in the center of the box who fired home the equalizer. Madrid were on the back foot now as the home side grew in confidence. Smelling blood Barcelona looked to take the lead and when Dani Alves played a pinpoint accurate pass to Luis Suárez there was no question what the outcome would be. Putting his body in between the defender and the ball Suárez allowed it to bounce before he slotted the ball between Oblak’s legs. 2-1 to the home side.

Suárez celebrates in front of the home side after scoring the winner.

The drama wasn’t over there. Filipe Luis had been struggling to contain Lionel Messi and produced a number of fouls much to the dissatisfaction of the Argentinian. His high challenge on the stroke of halftime was reckless and extremely dangerous. He saw red and was sent for an early shower. The nasty challenge angered Luis Enrique on the sideline who had to be stopped from having a shoving match with a member of Atletico’s delegation. That foul was the final action of a whirlwind first half.

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Despite having a one man advantage Atletico Madrid started the second half better than Barcelona. Up until the 65th minute Madrid looked certain to score. Antoine Griezmann forced Bravo to produce a spectacular if not fortunate save with his feet. The turning point of the second half came when Diego Godin made a needless sliding tackle on Luis Suárez on the right hand side. The tackle was poorly timed and was his second offence. He was also sent off. Unbelievably a nine man Atletico did not concede and held on to the 2-1 loss. Arda Turan had the best chance of the second half following his introduction against his former side pulling his shot just wide of the post.

A late freekick on the right hand side provided Atletico with a lifeline but despite Jan Oblak’s efforts to score a famous goal, Stefan Savic fouled Claudio Bravo and Barcelona killed the game. A crucial victory for the home side who are now three points clear of Atletico with a game in hand against Sporting Gijon.

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Diego Simeone conceded after the game that this loss has dented his sides title chances but it is only January and there is a lot of football still to be played. Luis Enrique was happy with his sides performance but one will have to assume he cannot be happy with his teams failure to score against nine men. He will also be pleased to have maintained his 100% record against Atletico winning 6/6.

Back to the drawing board of Diego Simeone 

Barcelona now look ahead to their Copa Del Rey semi final first leg tie against Valencia on Wednesday night. Atletico are out of the Copa so Simeone can focus his players on trying to catch the Catalans.

 

FC Barcelona vs Atletico Madrid Match Preview

FC Barcelona today host Atletico Madrid in what could be one of the most important games in La Liga this season. Following a win last weekend Barcelona sit on 48 points at the top of La Liga with Atletico who missed an opportunity last weekend to go two points clear of the Catalans when they drew 0-0 with Sevilla. No big deal right? Wrong. Barcelona have a game in hand on their opponents so a win today and a possible win against Sporting Gijon could see Barcelona go 6 points clear at the top.

Atletico are in flying form this season.

Despite drawing at home last weekend Atletico Madrid have the best defence in the league this season conceding just 8 goals in 21 matches. Diego Simeone knows how to beat Barcelona, as seen in the 2013/14 Champions League quarterfinal. With Diego Godin marshaling the defence and Antoine Griezmann leading the attack Atletico are a force to be reckoned with.

Both sides showed weaknesses in their last two fixtures. Barcelona struggled to a victory last weekend in Malaga and were forced to come from behind to beat Athletic Bilbao on Wednesday. Atletico failed to beat 10 man Sevilla at home and were knocked out of the Copa Del Rey at home by Celta Vigo.They conceded three in this game usually high for the best defence in Spain. Barcelona were exposed by Jeremy Mathieu and Thomas Vermaelen with Gerard Pique rallying the troops to a 3-1 come back victory.

Neymar scores Barcelona’s third midweek.

Luis Enrique was quizzed yesterday as to the fitness of Neymar who received a nasty foot stamp before scoring his late goal midweek. The manager was quick to dispel any injury concerns replying “he only took a small knock. Perhaps the most imprudent thing would be not to play him. He’d kill me! He’ll play for sure!” Jordi Alba has also been declared fit for this afternoons match following a hamstring injury sustained on the 17th of January when playing Bilbao.

Possible FC Barcelona lineup:

Claudio Bravo is expected to keep his La Liga role. Jordi Alba will be needed in leftback today following poor performances by Mathieu in this role. Mascherano will return to defence after his midweek midfield cameo. Alves has the experience to play in this fixture but Vidal was rested midweek and could be given the nod. Busquets was rested for most of the Bilbao game making a short appearance and Andres Iniesta is also expected to return following his midweek rest. Ivan Rakitic has been in fantastic form of late but Arda Turan could start up against his old side today – his birthday! Messi, Suárez and Neymar are set to lead the Barca attack.

Full 18 man squad: Bravo, Ter Stegen, Alves,Vidal,Pique,Mascherano,Vermaelen,Mathieu,Alba,Busquets,Iniesta,Rakitic,Turan,Sergi Roberto, Munir,Messi, Suárez and Neymar.

Enrique has left out Masip,Douglas,Bartra,Sandro and Adriano.

Neymar’s freekick led the Barca comeback last time out.

This game will certainly be interesting for all La Liga fans. Simeone has never beaten Luis Enrique’s Barcelona. He went close in the first meeting of the two sides before Lionel Messi came off the bench to score the winner. A similar scoreline of 2-1 is highly likely today but it is not necessary going to be in favour of the home side.Atletico are a well disciplined side and with Simeone at the helm this match is too close to call.

The match kicks off at 3:00pm GMT and is available on delayed coverage from 5:15 on Sky Sports.

Copa Del Rey Preview: FC Barcelona vs Athletic Bilbao Second Leg

Athletic Bilbao come to the Camp Nou chasing the hosts slender 1 goal lead as the tie is finely posed at 2-1. FC Barcelona are expected to welcome Neymar back into the match day squad after he missed the weekend game away to Malaga through injury. Bilbao will not be afraid of the Camp Nou although they will hope it goes better than their last visit – a 6-0 loss receiving a red card.

Both sides come into the game after La Liga victories at the weekend. Bilbao won a Basque Derby vs Eibar 5-2 and Barcelona fought to a 2-1 victory away to Malaga. Bilbao will press high and look to take an early lead tomorrow night. Barcelona are expected to make changes from the weekend which saw a makeshift defence struggle against a Malga side who employed a high pressing tactic similar to that of Bilbao in the first leg.

Possible Barcelona lineup:

Ter Stegen, Alves, Pique, Mascherano, Roberto, Busquets,Rakitic,Iniesta,Messi,Suarez,Neymar.

Neymar may take a place on the bench due to Munir’s goal scoring run and so as not to risk a reoccurrence of his injury.Robeto is expected to display is versatility once again in the left back position with Jordi Alba still out.

The match could swing either way. Kickoff is 8:30pm GMT and is available on LaLigaCopaTV

Messi Magic saves Barcelona- Malaga v FC Barcelona Match Report

FC Barcelona traveled to Malaga without the suspended Gerard Pique and the injured Neymar and Jordi Alba. The absence of these three players was felt by the Catalans who luckily took away all three points following one of their worst displays of the season.

A lucky escape for Barcelona

It was a dream start for the visitors when youngster Munir taped in the opener with just 2 minutes played. This early goal was a blessing in disguise for Malaga as they immediately upped their game and put the visitors under pressure. The makeshift Barcelona back four was struggling to fend off Malaga’s attacks. Thomas Vermaelen completely missed the ball and ended up on the ground before his partner Maschernao produced a brillaint last minute tackle to stop Malaga. These warnings were not enough for Barcelona to change their approach and Malaga could have easily taken the lead had it not been for the heroics of Claudio Bravo in the Barcelona goal of the left post.

Munir celebrates his first league goal since August 2014 – his debut!

The hosts pressure paid off in the 32nd minute when Juanpi equalized.  A poor clearance from the Barca defence was the cause of this goal. Messi nearly but the visitors ahead late in the first half but Kameni was once again in inspired form and stopped the Argentinian .

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Luis Enrique had seen enough and at half time he replace Vermaelen with the once again fit Jeremy Mathieu. This change helped shore up the creaking defence but was far from ideal as Malaga pressed once again but the strain of the first half had taken its toll. The winner came from who only but Lionel Messi. Adriano’s cross was behind Messi who contorted his body to latch his left foot onto the ball firing it past Kameni. The players released how important that goal was and celebrated duly as did the Barca bench.

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Malaga had chances to get back into the game but Claudio Bravo produced a number of fine saves to deny the hosts. He was not alone in his heroics as home keeper Kameni prevented Barcelona from extending their lead saving well from efforts from Messi on two occasions. Adriano was withdrawn after 70 minutes with cramp – an indication of his fitness. Roberto once again filled this gap well.

Iniesta & Co struggled against tough opposition today.

Barcelona did enough to hang on to the win and can feel very lucky to be leaving Malaga with three points. It doesn’t matter how they do it all that matter is they get the three points. Games like these are in my opinion, ones that decide the title race.

Barcelona go top for the moment with a game in hand. Both Atletico and Real Madrid play tomorrow facing Sevilla and Real Betis respectively.

FC Barcelona vs Malaga Match Preview

Following their midweek Copa Del Rey win away to Athletic Bilbao, Barcelona are on the road once again facing an unpredictable Malaga side. Luis Enrique has been boosted by the return of Lionel Messi who sat out Wednesday’s tie as a precaution due to muscle discomfort felt in last Sundays 6-0 victory. Luis Suárez is also expected to return to the starting eleven he of course was banned for two Copa Del Rey games following an after match incident against Espanyol. But Neymar will miss the game due to muscle discomfort in his thigh. A big loss for the Catalans.

Malaga took 4 out of a possible 6 points from Barcelona last season. A 0-0 draw at home and a 1-0 away win at the Camp Nou could have cost Barcelona last season so Luis Enrique is expected to treat this Malaga side with respect. When they meet earlier this season a 72nd minute goal from Thomas Vermaelen was all that separated the sides.  Barcelona were the dominant side at home as one would expect but Malaga put on a defensive masterclass. Luis Suarez just could not beat Kameni and the goal was a result of a poor clearance from Malaga. The home side have lost a key player this week selling Nordin Amrabat to Watford.

Malaga are unpredictable this season currently in 12th position and they have 4 wins in their last 6 games. A shock 1-0 victory over Atletico Madrid stands out as a highlight of their season. In that game Madrid were dominant but could not breakdown the Malaga defence – a problem Barcelona could face today.

Possible FC Barcelona lineup:

With Jordi Alba out injured I believe Sergi Roberto will move into left back after am impressive display in this position midweek, despite the return of Mathieu and Adriano.   Pique will miss the game due to suspension so last time’s hero Vermaelen is my pick to slot in beside Mascherano. Mathieu or Bartra could also slot in beside Mascherano. Alves ahead of Vidal simply because Vidal trained alone after a knock sustained midweek. Midfield trio remains unchanged after a fantastic display midweek with Ivan Rakitic stealing the headlines. Messi and Suárez will return and I believe Arda will start on the left. Munir could be used on the left following his midweek goal but one has to tip Arda at replace the injured Neymar.

SQUAD LIST:  Bravo, Ter Stegen, Rakitic, Sergio Busquets, Dani Alves, Arda Turan, A.Iniesta, Suárez, Messi, Mascherano, Bartra, Munir, Sandro, Sergi Roberto, Adriano, Aleix Vidal, Vermaelen and Mathieu.

The game kicks off at 3:00pm GMT and is sure to be a tight affair.

 

 

 

Copa Del Rey Preview: Athletic Bilbao vs FC Barcelona

When Pique’s back pass was intercepted with minutes gone on Sunday evening Bilbao fans hopes began to rise. The shot the followed would mirror the teams performance on the night. A 6-0 humiliation in the Camp Nou saw Barcelona take all 3 points from 10 man Bilbao.

  
Ernesto Valverde was not foolish on Sunday night. He saw that there was no way back for his side and took off his young star Inaki Williams his mind clearly thinking ahead to the Copa Del Rey first leg. He will also have inform front man Adruiz back (he missed the La Liga tie due to a suspension) but will still be without Raul Garcia.

FC Barcelona know that San Mames will not be a friendly atmosphere. With the fans practically on the pitch Barca will face a 12th man. However they will be without Luis Suárez who will serve his final of a two match bans following a tunnel incident against Espanyol in the last round. Jordi Alba will also be absent due to a hamstring injury sustained on Sunday night and there is a question mark over Lionel Messi’s fitness after he was taken off at halftime on Sunday as a precaution. Tests showed no injury but many sources believe he will miss the first leg.

Bilbao can try and regain some pride following Sunday’s humiliation. Barcelona will face a difficult task and it is highly unlikely that this tie will be sealed in the first leg.

 

Messi could miss the first leg

 

Possible FC Barcelona lineup:

Ter Stegen, Alves,Pique, Mascherano, Roberto, Busquets, Iniesta, Rakitic, Neymar, Arda, Munir.

Ter Stegen is expected to keep his cup spot. Alves could replace Vidal in right back. Roberto covered the left back position when Alba was withdrawn on Sunday so don’t be shocked to see Enrique experiment. Without Messi and Suarez, Neymar will lead the attack and could be partnered by Arda, Munir or Vidal. It’s all up to Enrique.

The match kicks off at 8:00pm GMT and is available on LaLigaCopaTV